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With so many job opportunities available in today’s Military, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed as you try to decide which one best fits your skills and interests. But with the right preparation, you’ll soon discover that finding a rewarding career in the Military isn’t as complex as it first appears.

Finding the Right Job: in Today’s Military: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Step 1:Do not underestimate the importance of doing well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test and in school. Each job in the Military has a corresponding ASVAB score or range that an individual must achieve or fall within in order to qualify. The higher the ASVAB score, the more job opportunities are available. As in college, doing well in high school and taking part in extracurricular activities also play a role in getting a specific job in the Military.

G O O D T O K N O W :While a high ASVAB score will indeed create more choices and opportunities, it is important to note that the needs of the Military at the time, a candidate’s background and the physical demands of certain jobs do play a role in career placement as well.

Finding the Right Job in Today’s Military: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 2:Recognize abilities and relevant jobs in the Military. The Military uses students’ ASVAB scores to identify the occupations that best suit an individual’s abilities. Most people prefer career fields that relate to their abilities. The sooner an individual knows his or her abilities, the better the chances of finding a job that will be rewarding and fulfilling.

L E A R N M O R E :For an in-depth overview of jobs available in the Services, visit our Career Fields page on Today’s Military: http://todaysmili-tary.com/careers-benefits/explore-careers

Step 3:Consult with a recruiter. Recruiters are the best allies when it comes to discovering a career path — they are ready and willing to answer questions, provide advice and address concerns.

B E P R E PA R E D :We’ve assembled a list of the most common questions to ask a recruiter.

Step 4:Consult with a military career counselor. In addition to talking with a recruiter, candidates for military service will go to a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) to meet with a military career counselor to further discuss career possibilities, provide a list of job preferences or select a job.

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Military career counselors’ duties primarily include:

● Determining what jobs candidates qualify for

● Conveying the job needs of the respective Service

● Assigning candidates to specific jobs

Common Military Career QuestionsWhen does job training begin in the Military? In the Military, high-quality job training is provided right from the start. After Basic Training, trainees typically attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT), where they learn the skills necessary to do specific jobs. AIT combines classroom and hands-on learning environments. Note: The American Council on Education certifies more than 60 percent of Advanced Individual Training courses for college credit.

Can I choose my military job? Candidates’ preferences do have an influence on the job specialties they receive when they enlist, but the needs of the Military at the time and the candidates’ ASVAB scores also affect job assignments. Parents are encouraged to attend recruiter meetings with their child so they can stay informed and participate in the decision-making process.

Are all jobs in the Military open to women? Yes, all positions, including combat, are open to women.

What do all military jobs have in common? Responsibility. Excellence. Pride. Service members are expected to perform their assigned duties with a high level of competence. Team members need to be able to depend on each other. More often than not, the Military offers a surprising amount of responsibility early in a career. Leading a team or crew of six to seven people at age 20 is common; so is making tactical decisions on the spot — even at junior levels. Most military jobs offer the opportunity to mature quickly, through responsibility.

How many military jobs have civilian equivalents? About 95 percent of military jobs have counterparts in the civilian world, and many military jobs are virtually identical to the “hot” jobs forecasted to grow the fastest over the next few years. All military jobs give service members an edge when they reenter the civilian workforce. That’s because employers prize the things military veterans have learned — among them dependability, focus on the task, extra effort, reliability, teamwork and striving for excellence.

Final ThoughtsNo matter what a person’s job might be in the Military, there’s an opportunity to do it well and develop newfound skills, while earning the respect of peers and superiors. This nearly always leads to greater self-confidence and a sense of pride. Every job in the Military is important because everyone contributes to military readiness and helps protect the freedoms all Americans enjoy.

Finding the Right Job in Today’s Military: A Step-by-Step Guide